Tennessee Titans' Nate Washington may be OK to face Pittsburgh Steelers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nate Washington and Jeff Fisher are being cryptic about the receiver's status, but indications are he has looked good in limited practice this week and could return from a hamstring injury to play against his former team Thursday night at Heinz Field.

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"I'm impressed with what he has done so far," Fisher said of Washington's recovery from a strain suffered in practice Aug. 24.

"I don't know if I am going to play or not, that's up to coach Fisher," Washington said. "I'm pretty happy with the progress that I've made ... Nothing is holding me back right now."

He said the hamstring was sore Tuesday morning "but it wasn't hurting" and it loosened back up well. But the Titans could be posturing to impact Pittsburgh's preparations and decide to be cautious with Washington when they get to Heinz Field on Thursday evening.

The Titans do not have to classify their injured players until Wednesday and use the questionable category broadly. Rookie tight end Jared Cook (ankle) did not practice Tuesday, while rookie cornerback/ punt returner Ryan Mouton looks to be recovered from a high ankle sprain.

Washington and Cook are two of the Titans' three biggest additions for 2009. Along with first-round pick Kenny Britt, the trio is expected to help make Tennessee's passing game more dynamic and better balance an offense keyed around running backs Chris Johnson and LenDale White.

"I want to come in and have an instant impact," said Washington, who got a six-year, $27 million contract with $9 guaranteed. "Show not only the coaching staff but the whole Titans' Nation that this is going to be a new era."

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